The Alamo
OC Bland, P.
United States Policy
Mexico/Texas Territory 1830s
Factors Affecting US Policy

Manifest Destiny

Economic Potential

Slavery in Texas

Belief that the United States was
destined to expand across the North
American continent

During this period various American
leaders sought to acquire the Oregon
Country, Texas, and Mexico.

Texas as a producer of corn, grain, and
beef

Texans sought to produce cotton to
capitalize on demand throughout
Europe and the United States

Vast Area (currently 2nd in US)

Texas was a practitioner of slavery

Democratic Party of power in US

American leaders reluctant to add
another slave state to the Union

Slavery threatened to divide the
Democratic Party
•
Manifest Destiny promoted United
States expansion from “sea to sea”.
Despite controversy American leaders
made various attempts to purchase the
territory from Mexico, but it was not so
important as to take forcefully.
Questions?
OC Stephens, D.
Mexican Policy of Expanding
into Texas

Mexican War of Independence

1824 Constitution of Mexico

Empresarial Grant

Outlawed American Immigration
Questions?
OC Hamrick, R.
The Alamo
Battleground Layout/OAKOC
Background
• In December 1835
• Ben Milam
• Five days of house-to-house fighting
• Forced General Martin Perfecto de Cos and his
soldiers to surrender.
OAKOC
NOTE
• The enemy forces will the Mexican soldiers.
• The friendly forces will be the Texians and
Tejanos
Obstacles
Mexican Army
Texans and Tejanos
• When the Mexican Army
arrived, they faced a foe
that was already inside a
fort. The Texans and
Tejanos knew they were
coming, and could watch
for them coming across
the land.
• There were barricaded
doors they had to blast
through.
• The final assault occurred
before daybreak, and the
darkness was an
obstacle. It would have
been hard to see the
enemy approaching.
• During the battle, the
Texans were forced to
lean over the walls to
shoot.
Avenues of Approach
Mexican Army
• In columns, approached in
the predawn darkness and
headed for Alamo’s walls.
• Scaled walls and rushed the
compound, making it
difficult for Texans
• Breached Alamo’s north
wall, east wall, and a low
parapet by the chapel
Texans and Tejanos
• Were inside the Alamo, and
used cannons and small
arms fire.
Key Terrain
Mexican Army
• Could use all of outdoors
to gain the advantage
• Came up walls and used
ladders to attack those
who were leaning over
the walls
• Eventually controlled all
outer walls and interior of
Alamo (except church
and rooms along E and
W walls)
Texians and Tejanos
• Initially, they were inside
the Alamo
• Could fire down on
Mexicans
Observation and Fields of Fire
•
•
•
•
Mexican Army
From outside the Alamo
Consisted of firing
upwards towards the
Texians and Tejanos
Also had to blast through
barricaded doors
Often limited due to their
column formations
•
•
•
•
Texians and Tejanos
From inside the Alamo
Could fire down toward
the Mexican Army
Was limited to the
movements within the
Alamo
Fired through holes
carved into walls
Cover and Concealment
Mexican Army
• Had concealment of
surrounding walls or
trees/shrubbery
• Once near Alamo, had
concealment of outer
walls
Texians and Tejanos
• Consisted of the Alamo
walls and different areas
within the Alamo
• Was constricted and
nonexistent once doors
were burst through and
Alamo was infiltrated
Questions?
OC Leamon, R.
References

James Bowie: Texas Fighting Man
 Hopewell, Clifford
Bowie Beginnings

Family originated in Northern Ireland

Immigrated to Maryland around 1705

Eventually splintered into South
Carolina, Virginia, Georgia,
Pennsylvania, Kentucky, Louisiana,
and Canada.
James “Jim” Bowie

Born: April 10, 1796 to Rezin and Elve
Bowie
 Second youngest of 10 children
 Father sold land in Kentucky and
moved to Louisiana by the time Jim
was 6.
lLegendsofamerica.com
Louisiana

Settled on Bushley Bayou

Louisiana Purchase has yet to happen,
still under Spanish rule.

Jim learned to speak and write French
and Spanish.
Childhood





Learned to use guns, knives, and to
fish to survive.
Planted, cultivated, and harvested
crops.
Responsible for the care of farm
animals.
Attended alligator hunts.
Reported to have ridden alligators at
one time.
Independent Jim Bowie


Moved to Rapides Parish, Louisiana
Cleared land and supported himself by
selling lumber.
 Given ten servants, horses, and cattle
by his father around 1818.
 Successfully operated a plantation and
developed multiple estates.
Lafitte the Pirate

1818 Jim Bowie met Jean Lafitte and
learned of money making opportunities
in Galveston, TX
 Jim sold his land and sawmill.
 Began picking up slaves in Galveston
from Lafitte and smuggled them into
Louisiana.
Boliviarchamber.org
Land Speculation






1826 – Started speculating land in
Louisiana.
Quickly made thousands of dollars selling
land claims.
1827- Many claims went before the
courts.
117 claims confirmed then appealed.
1831 – Most claims ruled fraudulent and
then confirmed in 1833.
Jim Bowie had already left for Texas by
this time.
Beginning of a Fighting Man





Alexandria, Louisiana business
headquarters.
1826 – Bowie sought a loan to avoid
foreclosure on some land
Loan rejected by Maj. Norris Wright
Crossed paths in the street and Wright
shot at Bowie
Bowie attempted to kill Wright with his
hands until friends intervened.
Bowie Knife

Fight with Wright.
 Swore to wear his knife for the rest
of his life.
 Multiple stories to “Bowie” knife
origination.
 Knife that killed Maj, Norris Wright.
 9.25 inches long and 1.5 inches wide.
Wikipedia.org
Texas

Moved to Texas in 1828
 Land speculation
 Land speculation challenged in
Louisiana.
 Began meeting future figures of Texas
Government
 Stephen F. Austin, Sam Houston
 Settled in San Antonio de Bexar
 Mostly Mexican population.
Texas 1828
Latinalista.net
Texas cont.…

Continued less-than-honest land
speculation in Texas
 Emigrants applied for land grants,
Bowie paid the fees, but took ½ of
the land for himself.
 Continued selling land in Louisiana
 April 25, 1838 – Married Mari Ursula
de Veramendi
 Daughter of vice-governor of
Coahuila-Texas.
Texas cont.…

Searched for silver mines
 Had many battles with Native
Americans
 Added to his notoriety of being a
fighting man
 Member of Mexican legislature in 1835
 General Santa Anna order arrest of
all Americans legislature.
A Changed Man

Texans were wanting independence
from Mexico
 Bowie had little to gain from
independence.
 Cholera was spreading through the
country.
 Sent family to Monclova for safety.
 Wife was pregnant.
 Plaque struck and entire family
died.
 Began drinking heavily
A Changed Man cont.…

Filled his time with work
 1834 – Constant travel from
Louisiana, Mississippi, and, Mexico.
 October 5, 1835 Texas War for
Independence begins.
The War

Stephen F. Austin referred to Bowie as
Colonel Bowie
 Never officially received a
commission.
 Order to accompany Captain
Fannin
 Select a secure position near
San Antonio de Bexar.
 Battle of Concepcion
 Texas lost 1, Mexico lost 10 men
The Alamo

Jan 19 1836 Bowie and approx. 30
men arrived at the Alamo and joined
another force of 104.
 Few weapons and few cannons.
 Jan 22, reports of Santa Anna
marching on Texas with 4500 troops
 Jan 27, General Ramirez y Sesma was
headed for San Antonio
The Alamo
Latinamericanstudies.org
The Alamo cont..

Bowie letters to Governor Smith
 Requested men, money, rifles, and
cannon powder
“the salvation of Texas depends
on great measure on keeping Bexar
out of the hands of the enemy.”
“Colonel Neill and myself have come
to the solemn resolution that we will
rather die in these ditches than give it
up to the enemy.”
-Jim Bowie
The Alamo cont.…

Lt Col. Travis left in charge by Colonel
Neill
 Disagreements between Bowie and
Travis
 The Garrison voted Bowie in
charge.
 Personal Truce
 Travis commanded the regular
army
 Bowie commanded the
volunteers
Ill health…

During his time at the Alamo Bowie
suffered from an unknown illness
 Described as tuberculosis, pneumonia,
and typhoid fever.
 Feb 21 – Fell from a scaffold mounting
cannon
 Crushed ribs and hips
 Command solely with Travis.
 Confined to bed
 Reportedly crawled out of bed
everyday to see men and raise
moral.
Death

March 6 1936 Mexican troops
launched final attack on the Alamo.
 Orders were given to identify the
bodies of Bowie, Travis, and
Crockett.
 Died in his cot
 Back braced against the wall with
pistols and his knife in his hands.
Summary
Legendsofamerica.com
lLegendsofamerica.com
James “Jim” Bowie
Questions?
Questions?
OC Trembley, C.
Antonio Lopez de
Santa Anna:
War, Women, and a Wooden Legs
Becoming a Soldier
-Born in Verracruz 21 February 1794
-Member of an affluent Criollo class family
-Limited interest in schooling or business
-Leaves the family business to become a
Cadet in the Fijo de Veracruz Infantry
Regiment in June of 1810
-Progressed from Cadet to Captain by
1816 and to Lieutenant Colonel by 1821
Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures
-Serving under Jose Joaquín de Arredondo
allowed him to develop future TTPs that
would be used during the Texas revolution.
-Battle of Medina mirrors The Alamo
-The Battle takes place near San
Antonio against rebels fighting for
independence
-Captives executed and bodies desecrated
Women and Weaknesses
-Beginnings of addictions that would follow
him throughout his career
-Indiscretion in the Navarro house
after the Battle of Medina
-Marries 14 year old Maria Ines de la Paz
Garcia for her dowry in 1825 (does not
attend wedding) but continues seducing
women during his travels.
-Beginning of Opium addiction
-Constant gambling
Politics and Posturing
-Began as a member of the Spanish Army
fighting against a native Mexican Population
-1821 he changed sides and supported
Agustín de Iturbide against the Spanish Army
becomes a hero of the Mexican revolution
-1822 he changed sides again and helped
overthrow Iturbide and establish the Republic
-1828, 1830, and 1832 he participated in
Coups and rebellions against government
leadership, finally securing the presidency
for the first time in 1833.
Expanding Power
-Santa Anna enacts policies the
consolidate power
-Congress is disbanded
-Taxes increased exponentially
because treasury is bankrupted by an
expanding Army and corruption
-Presidential Term extended
-Santa Anna becomes a millionaire
and begins referring to himself as “The
Napoleon of the West”
Rebellion
-Multiple states enter into open rebellion and
attempted to form their own government
-Santa Anna’s Army of Operations defeats
Zacatecas and emulates Arredondo’s
aggressive policies for dealing with rebels by
allowing his troops to ransack the city for 48
hours
-Santa Anna sends General Cos on to take
control of Texas, but Cos loses the Alamo to
the Texans
Santa Anna Leads His Army to Texas
-Santa Anna combines the strategies of
Napoleon and Arredondo
-Extended forced march, in winter, with limited
supplies, and expectations of support from
locals is based on Napoleon’s lightning push
through Russia
-The red flag signaling no quarter for the rebels,
the expectation of unconditional surrender and
post battle propaganda comes from Santa
Anna’s experience under Arrendondo
Why Everyone Lost at the Alamo
-Santa Anna is directly responsible for the
defeat of the Texans in the Alamo
-Assaulting the relatively insignificant Alamo an
act of ego that creates martyrs and
propaganda that would led to the eventual
victory of Texas
-Despite a good plan, lack of training, a history
of micromanaging, and impatience resulted in
significant casualties on the Mexican side
Ego and Intimidation
-Santa Anna’s actions following the Battle of
the Alamo stand out as both brutal and
dishonorable
-Santa Anna orders combatant captives
executed over the protests of his officers
-The bodies of the defenders are burned, to
prevent the possibility of honorable burial
-Executions at Goliad
-Engages in a fake wedding to a young
woman (despite already being wed) in
order to sleep with her
The Loss of Texas
-The Battle of San Jacinto
-Santa Anna divides his forces to try and
capture the leaders of the Provincial
Government
-The Mexican Troops were exhausted by
the long forced march
-Houston is able to launch a surprise attack
with motivated troops
-Santa Anna may have been distracted by
an attempted seduction of Emily Morgan
The Capture of Santa Anna
-Santa Anna flees during the Battle
-Is found wearing the uniform of a normal
soldier
-Once identified, he immediately asked
Houston for opium, which Houston
provided
-Signs the Treaty of Velasco
-Travels to the United States to negotiate
and is deposed in absentia
Legacy
-Santa Anna convinces the US Government to
let him retire at his home in Vera Cruz
-Is able to reestablish himself during the Pastry
War where he looses his leg and wins back the
Presidency
-Is soon exiled to Cuba, but returns declaring
himself President again to fight the Americans in
the Mexican American War
-He is exiled and regains power twice more
before once again fleeing the country to return
only two years before his death
The Wooden Leg
-The story of Santa Anna’s leg tells a lot
about the man himself
-The leg was lost when Santa Anna was struck
in the ankle during a war predicated on money
owed over money and baked goods
-The leg itself was buried with full military honors
-When leaving on a military campaign, Santa
Anna would unstrap his wooden leg and waive it
above his head in celebration
The Wooden Legs
-Santa Anna’s legs have achieved their own
celebrity status
-One prosthesis was captured by young
Captain Robert E. Lee and resides in
Illinois the Mexican government has
requested it back many times
-Another leg, this one a peg was seized
and later used as a baseball bat by Lt.
Abner Doubleday before taking up
residence in Oglesvy Mansion also in
Illinois
References
-Books
Fowler, Will. Santa Anna of Mexico. Hastings,
Nebraska: University of Nebraska, 2007.
Murphy, Jim. Inside the Alamo. New York, New
York: Delacorte Press, 2003.
-Websites
Remember the Alamo
http://mexicanhistory.org/santaanna.htm
Santa Anna and the Texas Revolution
http://mexicanhistory.org/santaanna.htm
Questions?
OC Lawson, S.
Davy Crockett
1786-1936
 Born August 17, 1786 in Greene County near
Limestone, TN
 Was the fifth of nine children of John and Rebecca
(Hawkins) Crockett
 Ran away from home at the age of 12 after fighting
at school on his fourth day
 Spent 2 ½ years working in Virginia before going back
home
(Davy Crockett Birthplace, 1996)
 Was an excellent marksman, hunter, and trapper by
age 16
 Attended school for only six months in his life
 Married Mary (Polly) Finley in 1806 at the age of 20
and had three children: John Wesley, William, and
Margaret
 Married Elizabeth Patton after his first wife’s death in
1815 and had three more children: Rebecca, Robert,
and Matilda
(Davy Crockett Birthplace, 1996)
 Was a battalion commander in the Creek Indian War
(1813-1814)
 Was a member of the Tennessee Legislature from
1821-1824
 Was a member of Congress from 1827-1831 and
again from 1833-1835
 His motto: “Be always sure you are right, then go
ahead.”
(Davy Crockett Birthplace, 1996)
 Colonel Crockett died March 6, 1836 at the Alamo in
San Antonio, Texas, fighting for independence from
Mexico alongside his fellow Americans less than 200
in number against Santa Anna’s thousands strong
Mexican army
(Davy Crockett Birthplace, 1996)
Reference
 Davy Crockett Birthplace (1996). Davy Crockett.
American West. Retrieved on 18 January 2011 from
http://www.americanwest.com/pages/davycroc.htm
Questions?
OC Sisk, A.
Daughters of the Republic
of Texas

Beginnings

Saving the Alamo

Later Years

Joining the Daughters
“Texas, One and
Indivisible”
The Beginnings
of the DRT
Originally called the Daughters of the Lone Star
Republic, the Daughters of the Republic of Texas was
formed in 1891 by cousins Betty Eve Ballinger (18541936) and Hally Ballinger.
Association was to be formed by descendants of
pioneer families and Soldiers of the Republic of
Texas.
Cousins traveled to Houston, TX where they shared
their thoughts with 14 other women 6 November
1891, and decided that day to form what we now
know as The Daughters of the Republic of Texas.
The Beginnings
of the DRT...

The Charter of The Daughters of the Republic of
Texas was filed in the Department of State on
March 9, 1895.
 Mary S. Jones, widow of the last president of the
Republic of Texas, agreed to serve as president.
Saving the Alamo
•
By the late 1880's the historic San
Antonio missions were falling into
disrepair and becoming subject to
vandals. A few dedicated DRT women
stepped forward to restore and
preserve the Alamo for future
generations.
Saving the Alamo
•
The public entrance was already owned
by the State of Texas, which had
purchased the building from the Roman
Catholic Church in 1883 and had given
custody to the City of San Antonio. The
city had made no improvements to the
chapel structure, and ownership did not
include the long barracks (convento).
Saving the Alamo
•
In 1903, Adina Emilia De Zavala
enlisted heiress and philanthropist
Clara Driscoll to join the Daughters of
the Republic of Texas and requested
help in purchasing the convento for
$75,000.
...Saving the Alamo
•
In early 1905, Samuel Ealy Johnson Jr.
drafted the Alamo Purchase Bill which
included a provision that The Alamo be
overseen by Dusghters of the Republic
of Texas.
 On January 26, 1905, the Texas State
Legislature approved, and Governor
S.W.T. Lanham signed, the Alamo
Purchase Bill r state funding to preserve
the Alamo property.
...Saving the Alamo
•
On October 4, 1905, the governor
formally conveyed the Alamo property,
including the convento and the mission
church, to the Daughters of the
Republic of Texas.
...Saving the Alamo

DRT encourages the
preservation of documents
and relics, the publication
of historical records and
narratives, and the
celebration of important
days in the state's history.
It also encourages the
teaching of Texas history in
public schools and
sponsors the placement of
historical markers.
Later Years

As of 1994 more than 6,500 members
were organized into 108 chapters
throughout the state.
 Local chapters also sponsor chapters of
the Children of the Republic of Texas, a
junior association organized in San
Antonio in 1929.
Joining the Daughters
•Membership in DRT is open to women only, who
must meet the following criteria:
•at least sixteen years of age,
•must be personally acceptable to the association,
and
•who can prove lineal descent from men and
women who rendered loyal service to Texas prior to
its annexation in 1846 by the United States.
Joining the Daughters
Acceptable loyal service can be obtained by one of
the following four criteria:
•colonization with Stephen Fuller Austin’s “OldThree
Hundred” or by the authority of the Spanish,
Mexican, or Texas Republican governments,
•military service to the Spanish, Mexican, or Texas
Republican governments during the appropriate era
•loyal citizenship of the Republic of Texas prior to
annexation
•receipt of land grants authorized by the Provisional
Government of the Republic of Texas.
Questions?
OC Furse, J.
William B. Travis
Born


Aug 1, 1809
Saluda, South Carolina
Education


Sparta Academy, Sparta, AL
Law, under James Dellet
Married
Oct 26, 1828
Rosanna Cato
Early Military
Adjutant in Alabama Militia
Texas
1831
Anahuac
Anahuac, 1831
Protested Bradburn
Jailed
Anahuac, 1835
Collection of customs
Captured Mexican garrison
Demanded surrender
Texas Revolution Begins
Oct, 1835, Gonzales “come and take it”
Dec 5, Texans captured San Antonio
Established a garrison in the Alamo
Travis accepts commission
Travis at the Alamo
Feb 3, 1836
Col. Neill left, Feb 12
Reinforces defenses with Green Jameson
Split command with Bowie
February 8, 1836
Davy Crockett arrives
February 24, 1836
Santa Anna arrives
Letter to “the people of Texas and all Americans”
March 5, 1836
Line in the sand
March 6, 1836
Santa Anna’s attack
Ending comments
Questions?
OC Jones, M.
Indirect Fire of The Alamo
Definitions
Cannon referrers to the barrel of the gun
and was classified by the size of the
projectile it fired. For example, a sixpound cannon fired a six-pound ball.
Carronades were shorter barreled,
lighter pieces that could fire at higher
elevations.
Howitzers were short barreled weapons
that could be fired at steep angles or
horizontally.
Definitions Cont.
Mortars had short stout barrels that fired
an exploding canister shell. This
canister shell could be lobbed over the
defensive works of an enemy.
Padrero fires stone balls and was used
to batter walls and sink ships.
Gunade were medium barreled
cannons.
Indirect Fire Asset
Comparison
Texan Assets
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
1 - 18 pounder cannon
1 - 12 pounder cannon
3 - 9 pounder cannons
1 - 12 pound gunade
6 - 6 pounder cannons
4 - 4 pounders
cannons
2 - 3 pounder cannons
3 - swivel guns
Mexican Assets
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
1 - 18 pounder cannon
1 - 16 pounder cannon
1 - 12 pounder cannon
1 - 9" pedrero
2 - 8 pounder cannons
6 - 6 pounder cannons
4 - 4 pounder cannon
2 - 3 pounder cannon
Projectiles
•Solid shot (cannon ball)
•Exploding shell
•Grape shot
•Cannister
•Scrap metal such as nails, horse shoes
and chains that had been chopped to
pieces.
Indirect Fire Weapons
Indirect Fire Weapons
Three Pounders
Swivel Gun
Four Pounders
Indirect Fire Weapons
Six Pounders
Nine Pounders
Twelve Pound Gunade
Indirect Fire Weapons
Twelve Pounder
Indirect Fire Weapons
Eighteen Pounder
Questions?
OC Morgan, S.
The obstacles and their
effects of the Alamo
Obstacle:
• Something immaterial that stands in the way and
must be circumvented or surmounted.
Layout of the Alamo
General Santa Anna
• After Texan forces captured San Antonio and the
Alamo on Dec. 10th, 1835, Gen. Santa Anna and his
entire army began their march to Texas, arriving on
Feb. 23rd, 1836.
• He marched his army, day and night, through rough
dessert conditions. Hundreds of Mexican troops
would die on the roadside while making this march.
• Once he arrived, he began to surround the Alamo
and would attempt to confuse the Texans by setting
up small diversionary attacks on the south wall. His
plan was to fix the Texans on this south wall while
he overran the north wall.
A Desperate Plea
• COMMANDANCY OF THE ALAMO, BEXAR,
February 24, 1836.FELLOW-CITIZENS AND
COMPATRIOTS : I am besieged by a thousand
or more of the Mexicans under Santa Anna. I
have sustained a continued bombardment for
twenty-four hours, and have not lost a man. The
enemy have demanded a surrender at discretion
; otherwise the garrison is to be put to the sword,
if the place is taken. I have answered the
summons with a cannon-shot, and our flag still
waves proudly from the walls. I shall never
surrender or retreat.
A Desperate Plea Cont.
Then I call on you in the name of liberty, of
patriotism, and of everything dear to the
American character, to come to our aid with all
despatch. The enemy are receiving
reinforcements daily, and will no doubt increase
to three or four thousand in four or five days.
Though this call may be neglected, I am
determined to sustain myself as long as
possible, and die like a soldier who never forgets
what is due to his own honor and that of his
country.
A Desperate Plea Cont.
Victory or death! "W. BARRET TRAVIS,
Lieutenant-Colonel commanding. " P. S.—The
Lord is on our side. When the enemy appeared
in sight, we had not three bushels of corn. We
have since found, in deserted houses, eighty or
ninety bushels, and got into the walls twenty or
thirty head of beeves. "T"
Col. Fannin
• Received Lt. Col. Travis’ plea on Feb. 25th. 320
troops and 4 cannons were sent from Goliad.
• During the first day of travel, the troops’ wagons
came apart causing them to set camp for the
night.
• Short on food and fearing of being ambushed,
the troops headed back to Goliad.
The next ten days
• Gen. Santa Anna would carry out small
skirmishes while he waited for re-enforcements
and his cannons.
• Lt. Col. Travis and his 145 troops would continue
to hold off any advancement without any
casualties.
Second desperate plea
• In a letter of Travis, dated the 3d of March, and
furnished by Jesse Grimes, Esq., he says: "I am
still here, in fine spirits, and well to do. With one
hundred and forty-five men, I have held this
place ten days against a force variously
estimated from fifteen hundred to six thousand;
and I shall continue to hold it till I get relief from
my countrymen, or I will perish in its defense.
We have had a shower of bombs and cannonballs continually falling among us the whole
time, yet none of us have fallen. We have been
miraculously preserved."
March 6th, 1836
• Gen. Santa Anna, without his cannons, elected
to hit the north wall, placing ladders against the
three foot thick walls.
• Texan defenders could not shoot directly below,
allowing the Mexican troops to advance.
• Mexican troops overran and took the Alamo in
just over an hour’s time, leaving no prisoners.
Summary
• Obstacles used by the Mexican army were the
houses that sat around the Alamo, which
allowed cover.
• The Mexican army had to overcome tough
terrain and conditions along with fighting in the
open. Nonetheless, the Mexican army, by fixing
the Texan defenders on the south wall, were
able to effectively storm the north wall with
success, despite their heavy losses they
sustained.
Summary
• Texan defenders were outnumbered 10 to 1 and
their three foot thick wall proved to be
detrimental to their defeat.
• Re-enforcements for the Texan forces were
turned back, due to lack of supplies and poor
equipment, causing an unsustainable obstacle
for the Texan defenders.
• The effects of these obstacles proved to be
greater for the Texan defenders, despite their
courageous efforts.
Questions?
OC Prouse, N.
Soldier Support





Mail
Military Pay
Leave
Mortuary Affairs
MWR
Mail

Messengers or Riders
would deliver and
receive messages.

Postal Service had
routes set across the
country, for a certain fee,
one could send mail.
American Military Pay
•
American militia men were volunteers
from Texas, and Tennessee.

Pay was never established in Texas at
the time due to a divided state and
government.

Twenty or more troops left the Alamo
due to not being paid for their efforts
when they were promised pay to
come.
Mexican Military Pay

Based on a conscript system.

Volunteers could enlist for eight year
terms while draftees served ten years.

Pay was 19 pesos, 4 reals, and 9
granos per 25 day month.
Leave

Leave was available under certain
circumstances (death, family illness).

There was no set time frames,
reasons, or manuals for leave.

Many men left due to no provisions
without consent and against requests
to remain.
Mortuary Affairs

Americans who passed away while
occupying the Alamo were given
Christian burials.

Mexican army buried their soldiers in
local cemetery, Campo Santo.
Mortuary Affairs

Mexican army stacked the remains of
American troops (with exception of
Gregorio Esparaza, his brother was an
officer in Santa Anna’s army, who
received a proper burial) in three piles,
mixed with fuel, wood and dry
branches, and set on fire. This is
known as a funeral pyre.
Mortuary Affairs

In 1837 the ashes of the Alamo
defenders that were still in separate
piles were carefully placed in a coffin
and buried at the site after the
procession.

A marble crypt in the San Fernando
Cathedral is now the keeper of those
ashes.
MWR Affairs






MWR was not established as it is in
today’s military.
Soldiers would sing, dance, and play
music in order to boost moral for the
troops.
Santa Anna had a regiment of the
Mexican army band play music.
Troops would tell stories or tales of
their lives and adventures.
Some would engage in alcohol as well.
Play horseshoes, checkers, and chess
Questions?
OC Lewis, D.
Texan and
Mexican Supply/Re-Supply at
the Battle of the Alamo
10 Classes of Supply
•
•
•
•
•
1 Subsistence and Water
2 Clothing and Equipment
3 Petroleum, Oil and Lubricants
4 Construction and Barrier Material
5 Ammunition
10 Classes of Supply
Cont.
•
•
•
•
•
6 Personal Convenience Items
7 Major End Items
8 Medical Supply
9 Repair Parts
10 Non Military Material
Texan Class 1
Subsistence and Water
•
•
•
•
•
•
30 Head of Cattle
90 Bushels of Corn
Well Water
Acequias (ditch water)
Stored Water (tubs, skins and gourds)
No Coffee
Mexican Class 1
Subsistence and Water
• Wild/Roaming Spanish Cattle
• Accompanying Cattle Herds
• Natural Forages (pecans, misc. nuts, wild
berries, wild mustang grapevines, cactus shoots,
wild cabbage)
Mexican Class 1
Subsistence and Water
Cont.
• Cultivated Forages (peppers, tomatoes, figs,
squash, onions, garlic, greens)
• Hard Tack and Corn Cake
• River and Stream Water (barrel, skin, canteen)
• Coffee
Texan Class 2
Clothing and Equipment
•
•
•
•
•
Uniforms and Headgear (US Army surplus)
Buckskins and Animal Skin Hats
Misc. Civilian Clothing, Sombreros
Shoes, Moccasins, Riding Boots, None
Belts, Ammunition Boxes/Pouches, Powder
Horns, Flints
• Blankets, Gum Blankets
Texan Class 2 Clothing
and Equipment cont.
•
•
•
•
•
National Flag (Mexico 1824)
Field Glasses
Musket, Rifle or Shotgun
Pistol
Bowie Knife, Long Knife, Dirk, Belduque
Texan Class 2 Clothing
and Equipment cont.
•
•
•
•
•
Tomahawk
Hatchet
Axe
Sword
Bayonet
Texan Class 2 Clothing
and Equipment cont.
Mexican Class 2
Clothing and Equipment
•
•
•
•
•
•
Napoleonic Uniforms, Headgear and Helmets
Shoes, Riding Boots, None
Belts, Ammunition Boxes, Flints, Canteens
National Flags, Unit Flags, Pennants
Bugle
Field Glasses
Mexican Class 2
Clothing
and Equipment Cont.
•
•
•
•
•
•
Blankets, Gum Blankets
Tents
Musket or Rifle
Pistol
Bayonet
Sword
Mexican Class 2
Clothing
and Equipment Cont.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Lances
Belduque
Ladder
Axe
Crowbar
Pick
Spike
Mexican Class 2
Clothing
and Equipment Cont.
Texan and Mexican
Class 3 Petroleum,
Oil and Lubricants
•
•
•
•
•
Animal Renderings (fat and lard)
Axle Grease
Lamp Oil
Firewood
Salt or Sugar
Texan Class 4
Construction and
Barrier Material
•
•
•
•
•
•
Mud and Straw
Felled Trees (sharpened limbs)
Soil
Water (Moat)
Requisitioned Lumber
Sandbags, Cowhides
Mexican Class 4
Construction and
Barrier Material
•
•
•
•
Wrecked Houses
Requisitioned Lumber
Felled Trees
Soil
Texan Class 5
Ammunition (Artillery)
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
18, 16, 12, 8, 6, 4, 3 Pound Cannonball
9” Stone Cannonball
Grapeshot
Cannister
Scrap (nails, horseshoes, chains, rocks, etc.)
Wadding
Powder
Slowmatch and Linstock
Texan Class 5
Ammunition Cont.
(Small Arms)
• Long Arm and Pistol Ball Caliber .32, .45, .50,
.58, .61, .65, .69, .75
• Buckshot
• Wadding
• Powder
• Ramrod
• Wiping Stick
• Flint or Percussion Caps
Mexican Class 5
Ammunition (Artillery)
•
•
•
•
•
•
10, 8 Pound Cannonball
9”, 5” Howitzer
Cannon Grapeshot
Wadding
Powder
Slowmatch and Linstock
Mexican Class 5
Ammunition Cont.
(Small Arms)
• Long Arm and Pistol Ball Caliber .35, .59, .65,
.69, .70, .752, .760
• Buckshot
• Wadding
• Powder
• Flint
• Percussion Caps
Class 6 Personal
Convenience Items
•
•
•
•
Straight Razor or Knife
Soap (Lye)
Toothbrush (Animal Hair and Bone)
Writing material (Diary, Journal, Stationary), Quill
Pen and Ink
• Reading Material (Personal Letters, Literature,
Bible)
Class 6 Personal
Convenience Items Cont.
• Candles, Lamps
• Tobacco (pipe, chewing, snuff)
• Alcohol (whiskey, shine, barefoot rum,
aguardiente)
• Cooking and Eating Utensils
Texan Class 7
Major End Items
• 18-24 Cannons and Carriages
• Horses
• Various Carts
Mexican Class 7
Major End Items
•
•
•
•
•
Stock Drawn Wagons including Tack
1800 Pack Mules
300 Two Wheel Carts
50 Four Wheel Wagons
Cannon and Carriages
Texan Class 8
Medical Supply
•
•
•
•
•
6 Doctors
Cloth Bandage (rags/remnants)
Splints (foraged/requisitioned wood, lumber)
Surgical Tools (saws, knives, dental tools)
Anesthesia (opium, laudanum, high proof liquor)
Mexican Class 8
Medical Supply
•
•
•
•
•
Incompetent and Insufficient Doctors
Cloth Bandage (rags/remnants)
Splints (foraged/requisitioned wood, lumber)
Surgical Tools (saws, knives, dental tools)
Anesthesia (opium, laudanum, high proof liquor)
Texan and Mexican
Class 9 Repair Parts
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Wagon/Carriage Wheels
Wagon/Carriage Wheel Tires (metal)
Leather/Misc. Skins
Horse Shoes
Wood (wagons, gun stocks, etc.)
Bone (knives)
Locks, Trigger Assemblies, Barrels
Uniforms and Clothing
Texan Class 10
Non-Military Material
• Hand Tools (axes, shovels, hammers,
mallets,etc.)
• Blacksmithing Tools
• Davy Crockett’s Fiddle
Mexican Class 10
Non-Military Material
•
•
•
•
Regimental Band Equipment
Fighting Cocks
Opium
Catholic Burial Rite Accessories
Questions?
OC Wilkerson, P.
Sam Houston
Achievements
•Served Tennessee as United States congressman
and Governor
•Commanded forces at the battle of San Jacinto
defeating a larger Mexican army and winning
independence for Texas.
•Served two separate terms as President of the
Republic of Texas.
•When Texas became a state, he served as United
States senator and governor
Early Life
•Born March 2, 1793 in Rockbridge
Co, Virginia.
•After his fathers death, Houston
moved with his mother and eight
siblings to the Tennessee
wilderness.
•Though highly literate Houston
did not enjoy life on the farm or
learning in the classroom
•He spent nearly three years, off
and living with neighboring
Cherokees as the adopted son of
Chief Oo loo to ka.
The War of 1812
Soon after returning home, Houston volunteered for
duty in the War of 1812.
By 1814 Houston had risen to the rank of lieutenant
He served under Andrew Jackson at the battle of
Horse Shoe Bend where he was twice seriously
wounded
He spent the next four years recovering from his
wounds, thanks to Andrew Jackson, served as a
subagent to the Cherokee until his resignation from
the army in 1818.
Early Political Career
•Enjoyed the support of fellow Tennessean and
President Andrew Jackson.
•Served Tennessee as United States
Congressman
•Elected Governor of Tennessee
•Resigned from Governor’s office after his first
marriage came to a controversial end.
Self Exile
•After his resignation Houston went west into
present day Arkansas to stay with his adopted
Cherokee father Oo Llo te ka.
•He became an advisor to local tribes and visited
Washington DC several times on the Cherokee
behalf
•During this period he visited Texas and became
interested in the demand for separation from
Mexico.
Mexico and Texas
•1821, Texas won from Spain in Mexico War for
Independence
•Mexican Government promotes immigration into
Texas from United States
•Many Texans dissatisfied with perceived injustices
at the hands of corrupt Mexican Government.
San Jacinto
•March 1836 Texas declares independence
•Sam Houston is named commander in chief over
Texan Army
•March 6. the Alamo is captured. All but two
defenders are killed
•On April 21st screaming “Remember the Alamo”,
Houston’s Texans attack and defeat larger Mexican
force at San Jacinto near present day city of
Houston.
Questions?
OC Ladd, B.
Morale of Texan and Mexican Forces
After the Alamo
Texan Morale

Texan forces suffered a great loss at the
Alamo.
 Santa Anna refused to take POWs.
 All of the combatants at the Alamo were
killed, some of which were possibly
executed after the battle was over.
 Only two non-combatants survived and
were sent by Santa Anna to spread word
that the Mexican Forces were unbeatable.
Texan Morale cont.

Texan forces were angered by the
brutality shown by Santa Anna
 Rather than being scared by the total
loss they suffered at the Alamo, the
soldiers were motivated to fight
 Texas government ensured that their
forces were well supplied with food,
ammunition and soldiers, all of which
were not abundant at the Alamo.
Texan Morale cont.

News of the outcome of the battle
spread all across the country and
many Americans went to Texan and
volunteered to assist the Texan Forces
 Motivated and united by the deaths of
their brothers in arms and their cry,
“Remember the Alamo,” Texan Forces
easily defeated the Mexican Army at
the Battle of San Jacinto
Mexican Morale

Santa Anna believed the Alamo to be a
major victory that would scare the
Texan Forces into surrender, leading to
his victory
 Many of the Mexican soldiers and even
some of Santa Anna’s closest officers
disagreed with his thinking.
Mexican Morale cont.

Some soldiers and officers believed
the Alamo to be of little military or
political value, thus a major battle was
not necessary.
 The Alamo could have been
surrounded and guarded by a small
force.
 This would have kept the Mexican
Forces from losing 1/3 of their troops
at the battle.
Mexican Morale cont.
Even Santa Anna’s own men viewed
his orders to execute the survivors as
barbaric and inhumane.
 This led to a non-unified command and
force.
 These problems were detrimental to
overall soldier morale. Many felt the
battle was a virtually lost because of
the great loss of Mexican life on a
target of little importance.

Questions?
OC Jones S.
Mexican Offensive
Operations
• 1400 Mexican soldiers
• 13 day siege
• 90 minute assault
Mexican Composition,
Disposition, Strength
• Infantry, cavalry, reserve cavalry
– Rifle, Cannon
• Outer Alamo perimeter
• 4000-5000 Mexican soldiers
Mission:
Attack and Destroy
• Mexican cannon and rifle fire
• Weaken defenses to prepare for assault
• Attack perimeter and destroy
Execution:
Assault, Attack by Fire,
Breach
•
•
•
•
4 columns, separate assault locations
North, Northeast, East, South
Support by fire
Infiltration
Decisive Victory
• No defenders left alive
• No quarter given
• Objective to take San Antonio complete
Questions?
OC Surhe, D.
Characteristics of Defense
At the Alamo
Preparation
Key Preparation for defense points
1. Earthen ramp made of fallen roof arches used as artillery platform for
several cannons
5. Trenches along the south wall
7. Circular lunette at main entrance
8. 18 lb cannon located here
9. Small Cannon mounted on low ramp
12. Several cannons along north wall
13. Several
Cannons along
north wall
18. Cannon
positioned at NE
corner of cattle
pen
Preparation
Other Preparation attempts
•
•
•
Catwalks were constructed along the walls to allow
defenders to fire over the 9-12 ft high walls
Mental preparation also took place with many
pledges to “never surrender or retreat” as well as a
statement of “Victory or Death” by all that defended
the fort
The buildings walls within the fort had holes carved in
them to act as firing positions for the Texans if the
outer wall was overrun
Massing Effects
Defined, Defenders seek to mass the effects of
overwhelming combat power where they choose and
shift it to support the decisive operation, or Main
Effort
Cannons were
placed along the walls being optimistic with
Maj. Green B. Jameson boasting that defenders could “whip 10
to 1 with our artillery.”
Many attempts for reinforcements were sent to higher
command
The walls were crumpling from the constant bombarding of
cannon fire
On the 13th day of the siege Santa Anna sent 1,800 troops to
assault the fort from four directions, fire from cannons and rifles
alike were concentrated on the Mexican ranks as they pushed
forward.
Flexibility
Defined: The defender must be agile enough to
avoid the
attackers blows and then strike back effectively
Lack
of men and resources allowed for little flexibility in the
defense
Defenders of the Alamo knew that the walls were not made to
stand such attacks
Flexibility to move within the fort to weak points along the wall
Once the the walls were breached the defenders had to fall
back to the Long Barracks
Security
Defined: Never permit the enemy to acquire an
unexpected advantage.




The security of the Alamo was hasty
The complex covered 3 acres of land with a perimeter
of 1,320 feet of perimeter to defend
Did the best they could with the resources and men
they had
Concentrated on key areas where avenues of
approach were most likely to occur
Disruption
Defined: Disrupts the attacker’s tempo and
synchronization by countering his initiative and
preventing him from massing overwhelming
combat power.
The
forms of disruption that the Texans used was using
directed firing in hopes to halt any attack and force the
attackers to retreat, reform, and re-strategize.
Many of the attempts to made to enter the fort including
ladders being placed at the wall of the fort but most were
driven back
Questions?
OC Johnson, T.
Benjamin Rush "Ben" Milam
Things named after Ben




Milam County, Texas
San Antonio’s Milam Park
A street in Seguin
Schools named Milam
Ben Milam’s remains


Ben was first buried where he fell
He was moved to a corner of a
protestant cemetery
 When the area was named as Milam
Park his remains were moved again to
the center of the park
 They were dug up and taken to UTSA
to confirm that they were indeed Ben
Milam’s

The Smithsonian requested to study
the remains after UTSA confirmed that
they were indeed Ben Milam’s
 Ben made a trip that “no other hero of
the Texas Revolution” he boarded a
jetliner and flew to Washington DC
 Every time that Ben Milam had been
buried he was buried with full Masonic
ritual and honors. The last time to
include a color guard from Texas
Who was Ben Milam?
Why is he important?
Ben Milam was born in Frankfort, Ky. He
enlisted in the 8th Regiment of the
Kentucky Militia. He was later elected to
LT. He served in the war of 1812.
After the war of 1812 he made several
different investments in taking supplies
from one area to another to turn a profit.
In his travels he meet up with others who
were going to try and help liberate Mexico
from Spain.
Ben was imprisoned for his involvement
with this movement. Upon his release he
returned to Texas. After Mexico was
liberated Ben returned to Mexico and was
granted Mexican citizenship and
commissioned a colonel in the Mexican
Army. When Antonio Lopez de Santa
Anna overthrew the government and
declared a dictatorship Ben was
imprisoned again.
Ben escaped prison and ran into a Co of
Texas soldiers. Ben joined them in the
capture of Goliad. He later wrote “I
assisted Mexico to gain her
independence. I have endured heat and
cold, hunger and thirst; I have borne
losses and suffered persecution; I have
been a tenant of every prison between
this and Mexico. But the events of this
night have compensated me for all my
losses and my sufferings.”
When Ben learned that the Army that was
staged to attack San Antonio decided to
go into winter Quarters instead of
attacking Ben requested that he be
allowed to ask for volunteers to follow him
into San Antonio.
“Who will go with old Ben
Milam into Bexar?”
300 volunteers showed up for the attack.
Ben was to lead one of the two columns
that were formed. The two columns
advanced down different streets taken
one building at a time.
On 07 Dec 1835 Ben was shot in the
head while in the back yard of the
Veramendi house.
The Mexican Army lost more than 400 the
Texans lost 20 to 30 men.
On 11 Dec 1835 the terms of peace were
signed. Once the Mexican troops
withdrew from San Antonio there was no
more Mexican Troops in Texas until Santa
Anna marched troops back into Texas
and took the Alamo.
Conclusion
Some believe that if Ben Milam had not
stepped forward to lead those troops into
San Antonio that Mexico might have got a
stronger foothold on Texas and that Texas
may not have got their freedom
Questions?
OC Keaton, P.
Private James L. Allen
• Last courier to leave the Alamo (March 5)
• Was sent by Col. Travis with a final appeal to
Fannin at Goliad
• He reached Goliad on March 8 and with
negative results went on to Gonzales on 11
March where he learned of the fall of the Alamo.
•He later served as a scout with Deaf Smith at
San Jacinto and was Captain of the Texas
Rangers.
•He was a ranger in Capt. Bell’s Company and
fought Indians at Corpus Christi in July 1844.
Private Horace Arlington
Alsbury
•
•
•
•
First courier sent to out by Col. Travis
Member of the Texian army
Fought at Siege of Bexar
Left for Gonzales immediately after Juana
moved into the Alamo to warn the colonists that
the Mexican Army was just outside of Bexar
Private Peter James Bailey
III
• Bailey and Crockett both were assigned to
defend the Palisade.
• On March 6, 1836 Peter along with Travis,
Bowie, David Crockett, and James Bonham
were killed in a night attack along with about
180-250 other defenders during the Battle of the
Alamo.
• Bailey County in the Panhandle of Texas was
named in honor of Bailey
Private John Walker Baylor,
Jr.
• After attack on the Alamo began, Baylor was on e of
four or five couriers sent by William B. Travis to La
Gahia to urge Fannin to come to his aid.
• Baylor made his way to Houston’s army on the
Brazos, where he joined William H. Patton’s company
in Col. Sidney Johnson’s Second Texas Volunteer
Regiment. He was named drillmaster because of his
West Point experience.
Private John Walker Baylor,
Jr. Cont.
• In the battle of San Jacinto he received a thigh wound
that he considered so slight he did not report it.
• On May 29 he joined a group of mounted rangers
under Maj. Isaac Burton which patrolled the coast
watching for a possible Mexican attack from the sea.
Col. James Bowie
• At the outbreak of the Texas Revolution, Bowie
joined the Texas militia, leading forces at the
Battle of Concepcion and the Grass Fight.
• In January 1836, he arrived at the Alamo, where
he commanded the volunteer forces until an
illness left him bedridden.
• Bowie perished with the rest of the Alamo
defenders on March 6, when the Mexicans
attacked.
Private Daniel W. Cloud
• He enlisted in the Volunteer Auxiliary Corps of
Texas on Jan. 14, 1836, at Nacogdoches.
• With other volunteers he traveled to San Antonio
de Bexar and the Alamo.
• They arrived after Feb. 11 and he became a
member of the Tennessee Mounted Volunteers,
commanded by William B. Harrison.
• He died in the battle of the Alamo on March 6,
1836.
Lt. Jacob C. Darst
• In September 1835 Darst was on e of the “Old
Eighteen” who refused to relinquish a cannon,
leading to the Battle of Gonzales, (rode in as
part of the “Immortal 32” Gonzales Mounted
Rangers)
• Was a member of the Gonzales Alamo relief
force where he died in 1836
Private John Davis
• Rode as part of the “Immortal 32” Gonzales
Mounted Rangers in which he was a rifleman.
• Lack of clarity and controversy surrounds the
identity of John Davis in DeWitt Colony records of
which there were clearly more than one individual.
• However it’s a possibility that John Davis was a
voter in the election for delegates from Gonzales to
the Texas Consultation of 1835 and also in Capt.
Gibson Kuykendall’s Company in the rear guard of
Houston’s Army camped at Harrisburg during the
Battle of San Jacinto.
Capt. Philip Dimmitt
• Dimmitt was previously the commander of Texian
forces at Presidio La Bahia in Goliad.
• He left the Alamo on Feb. 23 to gather reinforcements.
• While Dimmitt was out, the Mexican Army surrounded
Bexar. Fearing that he would not be able to reach the
Alamo, Dimmitt instead returned to Victoria and tired
to recruit volunteers to ride to the Alamo’s relief.
• He was captured by a Mexican raiding party in 1841
and committed suicide on July 8 of that year after
being threatened with execution.
• Dimmitt County, Texas is named for him.
Private William Keener
Fauntleroy
• In January 14, 1836, he and his companions
took the oath of allegiance to Texas and were
mustered into the Volunteer Auxiliary Corps at
Nacogdoches.
• Fauntleroy reveled to the Alamo as a member of
Capt. William B. Harrison’s company, which
included David Crockett.
• He arrived on or about Feb 9, 1836, and died in
the battle of the Alamo on March 6.
Private John Harris
• Participated in the Siege of Bexar
• Sometime before the siege of the Alamo began,
Harris returned to his home in Gonzales where
he was mustered into the Gonzales Ranging
Company of Mounted Volunteers on Feb. 23,
1836.
• He returned to the Alamo with this group on
March 1, 1836 and died in the battle of the
Alamo.
Private William Daniel
Jackson
• He took part in the siege of Bexar, and later
served in the Alamo Garrison, possibly as a
lieutenant of Capt. William R. Carey’s artillery
Company.
• He died in the Battle of the Alamo on March 6,
1836.
Major Green B. Jameson
• He took part in the siege of Bexar in 1835, and then
remained in Bexar under the command of Lt. Col.
James C. Neill and chief engineer of the garrison
occupying the town and the Alamo.
• Jameson’s correspondence with Sam Houston in the
weeks before the Alamo siege began gave detailed
descriptions of the Alamo’s defenses.
• On the first day of the siege, Feb. 23, 1836, Jameson
was sent by James Bowie as a messenger to the
Mexican forces.
• He died in the Battle of the Alamo on March 6, 1836.
John Benjamin Kellogg
• He joined the relief force from Gonzales and
rode to the Alamo, where he arrived on March 1,
1836.
• He rode into the Alamo as part of the “Immortal
32” Gonzales Mounted Rangers.
• He died on March 6, 1836, in the Battle of the
Alamo.
rd
3
Corpl. William J.
Lightfoot
• William John lived in Fort Bend County, Texas in
1830 and then in Gonzales in 1836.
• Lightfoot took part in the siege of Bexar and later
served in the Alamo garrison as a 3rd Corporal of
Capt. William R. Carey’s artillery company.
• He died in the Battle of the Alamo on March 6,
1836.
William Hester Patton
• Probable courier of the March 3rd letters
• Was a nephew to David Crockett
• Commanded a company at Bexar and was an
officer of the Alamo garrison.
Private B. Archer M.
Thomas
• He and his companions joined the Volunteer
Auxiliary Corps of Texas at Nacogdoches on Jan. 14,
1836, and proceeded to San Antonio de Bexar as
members of Capt. William B. Harrison’s company,
which included David Crockett.
• Thomas died in the Battle of the Alamo on March 6
1836.
Private Joseph Rutherford
• Born in Kentucky, Joseph Rutherford immigrated
to Texas.
• He was married with a small daughter who was
raised following the Texas revolution by Joseph
Durst.
• Rutherford took part in the siege of Bexar and
later served in the Alamo garrison as a member
of Capt. William R. Carey’s artillery company.
• He died in the Battle of the Alamo on March 6,
1836.
Questions?
OC Broughton, K.
The Battle Effects of the
Alamo On The US and
Mexico
Before the Alamo

Under President Antonio Lopez de
Santa Anna, the Mexican government
began to shift away from a federalist
model.
 Several US immigrants in Texas
 Accustomed to a Federalist
Government
 Believed in individual rights

Texas wants a revolution
After the Alamo, US


Texas is Defeated
 While there were several Mexican
Casualities, their army still
outnumbered Texas 6 to 1.
 Sparked sympathy for Texas, and
many of their Brethren came to their
aide.
United State first refuses to annex Texas
in 1836.
 Believed it would start a war with
Mexico.
After the Alamo, US





Sam Houston pretends alliance with Great
Britain.
Border trouble begins with Mexico.
 Posts were set up along the Rio Grande
War is started with Mexico, and US was
victorious.
All of California and New Mexico added
to the US.
US had vast lands, commerce, and
heritage.
After the Alamo, Mexico


Victorious over Texas at the Alamo
Santa Anna becomes confident in his
army and splits his troops.
 Leads to defeat in San Jacinto
Questions?
OC Garfinkel, J.
Unity of Command





Unity of Command – what it is.
Importance of Unity of Command
LT COL William B. Travis
COL James Bowie
Mexican Commanders
Questions?